EAST LANSING- Michigan State basketball was back at the Breslin Center as they welcomed in the Ferris State Bulldogs for an exhibition matchup on Tuesday night. After a sluggish start, the Spartans pulled away in the second half to beat the Bulldogs 85-67.

The Bulldogs held their own with the Spartans in the first half as the Spartans led the Bulldogs 40-28 going into halftime. Both teams struggled shooting from the field in the first half, shooting under 40 percent in the first 20 minutes of play. 

Frankie Fidler, one of the transfers that the Spartans acquired in the offseason from Omaha led the way for MSU scoring 12 first-half points.

In the second half, the Spartans’ struggles on the offensive end continued as the Bulldogs cut the Spartans’ lead to five early on. 

The Spartans pulled away and were able to find themselves offensively with a 14-3 run over three minutes with sophomore forward Coen Carr, junior forward Jaxon Kohler, and freshman guard Jase Richardson leading the way for the Spartans during the run.

MSU used a variety of different lineups out on the floor which at some times benefited but also hurt the Spartans throughout, which Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo alluded to.

“We wanted to see different guys play against different people, we did what we wanted to do. I’m sure that hurt us a little bit but give a little bit of credit to them [Ferris State] too.

Frankie Fidler led the Spartans in scoring in the game with 14 points, while Coen Carr also scored in double figures with 12 points on 6 of 10 shooting. Izzo mentioned Carr’s high energy when it comes to playing.

“Coen’s been fun to coach, he’s a high-energy guy. Not only is he a high flier but he’s a high-energy guy, with added strength I think he’s playing more aggressively and that’s been encouraging,” said Izzo. 

Carr says that his game is a lot different heading into this season which has helped build confidence in his abilities. 

“I feel like my decision making is better, my confidence is higher too when I get the ball, just knowing I can do things with it I can get my teammates open, I can get my teammates involved,” said Carr.

The Spartans also had quality performances by their freshmen. Kur Teng scored nine points on 3 of 6 shooting and Jase Richardson scored eight points on 3 of 3 shooting and went 2 of 2 from beyond the arch. 

“Kur and Jase played as well as maybe some of our veterans,” said Izzo.

The Spartans will open up the 2024-25 regular season on Monday when they face off against the Monmouth Hawks, tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Breslin Center.